Surface Area Measurements Research Articles

Synthesis and Characterization of Cobalt–Organic Framework as an Electrocatalyst for Water Splitting Application

ABSTRACTClimate change is seen as a crucial environmental dilemma that humanity will confront in the upcoming decade. For this purpose, the solvothermal‐assisted technique is used to create metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), which are porous materials characterized by strong connections between organic ligands and metal ions. The MOF discussed here contains cobalt as the metal node and a linker derived from 2‐aminobenzoic acid and terephthalaldehyde. The prepared powder underwent analysis using various techniques including Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area measurement, and thermal analysis. BET analysis revealed a surface area of 1587.06 m2/g, a total pore volume of 0.86394 cc/g, and an average pore size of 1.088 nm. The RGO@Co‐MOF prepared was utilized to evaluate water splitting efficiency, demonstrating favorable catalytic activity like most reported modified MOF catalysts under low current density conditions of 10 mA/cm2.

Refined Surface Area Determination of Graphene Oxide Using Methylene Blue as a Probe Molecule: A Comparative Approach

Abstract In this research, we explored the effectiveness of the methylene blue (MB) adsorption method as an alternative approach for determining the specific surface area of graphene oxide (GO). Initially, through a comparative analysis with reference activated carbon (AC), we identified the limitations of utilizing N2 physisorption for specific surface area determination of GO. Our findings revealed that the standard pretreatment process (heating under vacuum) before N2 physisorption led to damage to the surface oxygen groups on GO, and the measured surface areas (43 m2/g) do not accurately represent the entire surface area. To optimize MB coverage on GO, we conducted adsorption equilibrium experiments, focusing on controlling temperature and pH. The pH was significantly important in regulating the coverage of MB. Under the optimized MB adsorption conditions, the specific surface area of GO was 1555 m2/g. Our assumptions regarding specific surface area calculations were supported by structural characterization of samples with varying MB uptakes. The results confirmed a uniform coverage of MB on GO by SEM-EDX, XRD, and AFM.

NIMG-13. CHANGES IN CORTICAL ARCHITECTURE ASSOCIATED WITH GLIOBLASTOMA ASSOCIATED EPILEPSY

Abstract BACKGROUND Emerging evidence suggests both local hyper-excitability promoting epilepsy, and synaptic and paracrine mediated integration of Glioblastoma into brain-wide neural networks. In this study we sought clinical evidence of disease progression, and concurrent radiological evidence of differences in remote cortical architecture, in Glioblastoma patients with and without epilepsy. METHODS 55 patients with biopsy-confirmed Glioblastoma, mean-age 59.4yrs±10.9yrs, were studied. 23 patients had a diagnosis of Glioblastoma-related epilepsy on presentation. We compared clinical markers of disease progression in individuals with and without epilepsy. Further, we explored differences in cortical architecture between both groups. Utilising pre-operative T1-weighted, contrast-enhanced MRI scans (n=45), we performed vertex-wise measurements of cortical thickness (CT) and cortical surface area (CSA) using the Virtual Brain Grafting Toolbox and FreeSurfer v.7.0. Radiologically-identifiable tumour and oedema was masked and excluded from analysis. Scans with right-hemispheric tumours were flipped to the left. Linear mixed-effects models were applied to pre-processed imaging-data. RESULTS Individuals with epilepsy had shorter progression-free survival (median 4.2 months) than those without seizures (9.3 months, p<0.05) with gold-standard treatment. No significant difference between lesion volumes (tumour and oedema) existed between the two groups (unpaired t-test, p>0.05). Controlling for age and tumour location, significant increases (p<0.01) in CT and CSA were observed in patients with Glioblastoma-related epilepsy in lesion-ipsilateral supramarginal gyrus, superior parietal lobule, precuneus/cuneus and temporal lobe compared to those without epilepsy. Interestingly, significant (p<0.05) increases in CT in lesion-contralateral supramarginal gyrus were additionally observed in those with epilepsy compared to those without. CONCLUSIONS Glioblastoma-related epilepsy was associated with poorer survival outcomes and changes in remote cortical architecture. Implicated regions form part of the default mode network, which has previously been identified as a crucial hub for epilepsy. Biological underpinnings of cortical network alterations, and their possible role in promoting not only hyper-excitability but also Glioblastoma progression, require correlation with histopathological characteristics and validation in larger study cohorts.

Synthesis of MnMoO4/α-MoO3 composite materials for supercapacitor

In the quest for developing supercapacitors with enhanced energy density, we have successfully synthesized MnMoO4/MoO3 composite materials tailored for supercapacitor applications. The synthesis process utilized (NH4)6Mo7O24·4H2O and MnCl2·4H2O as precursors. The resulting composite materials were thoroughly characterized using a suite of analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area measurements, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. Furthermore, the supercapacitive performance of the MnMoO4/α-MoO3 composite materials was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry and constant current charge–discharge methods. The synthesis yielded an ideal composite material, with low-resistance MnMoO4 seamlessly integrated with high ion-conductive MoO3. At a current density of 3 A/g, the specific capacitance was measured at 1878.7 F/g, achieving an energy density of 260.9 Wh kg−1 and a power density of 1.448 kW kg−1. The composite materials demonstrated significant potential for the production of high-density supercapacitors.

Measurement of the root surface area in rat molars through three-dimensional modeling

ObjectivesRats are used as animal models for basic and applied research related to orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). The magnitude of mechanical force in OTM rat models mainly depends on the supporting capability of the periodontal ligament (PDL), which is highly associated with the root surface area (RSA). But the size of rat RSA remains unknown, which is the reason why there are still debates on the magnitude of mechanical force in OTM rat models. This study aimed to explore a method for measuring the RSA in rat molars. DesignThe maxillary and mandibular samples of rats were scanned by Micro-CT to generate three-dimensional (3D) images, followed by 3D reconstruction of every molar through Mimics Medical 21.0. Geomagic Wrap 2021 and Unigraphics NX 12.0 were utilized to smooth teeth surface and mark the cementoenamel junction (CEJ). Finally, the RSA in rat molars was measured. ResultsThe results showed that for the six-, eight-, or ten-week-old rats, the average RSA of maxillary first, second, and third molars was 25.90 ± 2.29 mm2, 15.92 ± 2.14 mm2, and 10.34 ± 1.94 mm2. The RSA of mandibular first, second, and third molars was 27.03 ± 2.63 mm2, 17.16 ± 1.61 mm2, and 11.39 ± 2.13 mm2. ConclusionsThrough 3D modelling, we provided data of rat RSA, and observed the trend of increasing RSA mean values with age. These data are pivotal for determining the magnitude of mechanical force required to move rat molars, especially when conducting research related to OTM using rat models.

Preparation and Characterization of Materials for Low- to Intermediate-Temperature CO2 Adsorption

Global carbon dioxide emissions are rising and the use of fossil fuels in several sectors are the leading causes. As global population and economies continue to grow significantly, the most practical method of lowering such emissions is to capture CO2. Although other technologies are more developed, adsorption is very promising and has attracted much attention. To ensure this technology’s success, it is essential to have suitable CO2 adsorbent materials. In this work, several new hydrotalcites (HTs) with different initial concentrations of ion precursors were prepared for the first time by the co-precipitation method—it was possible to verify that the ion concentrations influence the characteristics of the materials. The prepared HTs were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TG), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), surface area measurements and temperature-programmed desorption of CO2 (TPD-CO2) to relate their CO2 capture capacity to their physicochemical properties; the CO2 adsorption equilibrium isotherms were determined at 35 and 300 °C for the prepared samples, as well as for some commercial materials: magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, aluminium oxide and Zeolite 13X. After determining which materials present the best CO2 adsorption capacity, these were submitted to adsorption-desorption cycles to study their stability. The main objective of the work was to prepare and study different CO2 adsorbents for processes that are carried out at low and intermediate temperatures. From the experimental results, it was possible to conclude that the Zeolite 13X showed the best capacity at 35 °C, 3.38 mmol·g−1 (@ pCO2 = 1 bar), and a prepared calcined HT (c-HT2) was the best at 300 °C, 0.97 mmol·g−1 (@ pCO2 = 1 bar). Moreover, it seems there is an optimum initial concentration of the ions’ solutions for the tested HTs, which depends on the final application—c-HT1 showed a better capacity at 35 °C and c-HT2 at 300 °C. From the adsorption-desorption cycles—performed at 35 and 300 °C with the best materials using a magnetic suspension microbalance at 1 bar of CO2 partial pressure —, a working cyclic capacity of 2.69 mmol∙g−1 was achieved by the Zeolite at 35 °C; in turn, c-HT2 showed a working cyclic capacity of 0.79 mmol∙g−1 at 300 °C.

Impact of thermal treatment on halloysite nanotubes: A combined experimental-computational approach

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are naturally occurring aluminosilicate minerals, known for their unique tubular structure, which have garnered significant interest for a wide range of applications. This study explores the morphological changes of HNTs when subjected to thermal treatment ranging from 25 °C to 1100 °C using a combination of experimental characterization techniques and molecular dynamics simulations. Techniques such as solid-state NMR (SSNMR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area measurements, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) were employed to analyse the structural evolution. The results reveal two major transitions: the first occurring between 400 and 500 °C, corresponding to the release of intercalated water and partial distortion of the HNT structure, and the second occurring between 900 and 1000 °C, marked by the collapse of the tubular structure and the exposure of alumina on the surface. These findings provide significant insights into the thermal stability of HNTs, informing future applications, especially in high-temperature environments.

Exploring the photocatalytic breakdown of organic pollutants using intercalated ZnO/SiO2 nanocomposites

The increasing prevalence of organic pollutants in water sources necessitates the development of efficient and cost-effective photocatalysts for their degradation. ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely studied for their photocatalytic properties; however, their application is hindered by low photocatalytic efficiency and high recombination rates of photogenerated carriers. This manuscript explores the enhanced photocatalytic performance of intercalated ZnO/SiO2 nanocomposites (NCs), synthesized through a combination of co-precipitation and Stöber methods, as a solution to these challenges. A comprehensive analysis of the structural, optical elemental and Morphological properties of both ZnO NPs and ZnO/SiO2 NCs was conducted using various characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–Vis spectrometry and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. Through, XRD analysis, the calculated crystallite sizes of ZnO NPs and ZnO/SiO₂ NCs were found to be 36 nm and 39 nm respectively. TEM images illustrated that the ZnO NPs and ZnO/SiO₂ NCs have crystallized in elongated spherical morphology. XPS and FTIR analyses provided the signature band details the presence of Cu and Si in their Zn2⁺ and Si⁴⁺ oxidation states. The optical bandgap energies were calculated to be 3.38 eV for ZnO NPs and 3.22 eV for ZnO/SiO₂ NCs. The enhanced photocatalytic efficiency of the ZnO/SiO2 NCs achieved an impressive degradation rate of 92 % for Rhodamine B (RhB), compared to a relatively lower rate of 81 % for pure ZnO NPs for the degradation of RhB under visible light due to its lower bandgap, high surface area, and lower electron-hole recombination rate. BET surface area measurements revealed that ZnO nanoparticles have a surface area of 11.234 m2/g, while ZnO/SiO₂ NCs show 57.118 m2/g, highlighting SiO₂'s enhancement. The NCs demonstrated exceptional reusability for degradation, sustaining high efficiency across multiple cycles. Its ability to scavenge superoxide radicals highlighted the effectiveness of the ZnO/SiO₂ NCs in environmental remediation, especially for wastewater treatment.

Novel approaches to improving gas separation: Ionic liquids coated coke/ NH2-UiO-66-based mixed matrix membranes for CO2/N2 separation

Permeability and separation efficiency of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) are two important aspects. Polymeric membranes offer excellent mechanical and physical properties; however, they have a low permeability. To enhance the permeability and separation performance of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membranes, Cholinium amino acid-based (IL) were impregnated with activated coke/ NH2-UiO-66 (Zr) (AC/MOF) composite and then IL@AC/MOF filler was incorporated into PVC matrix. FTIR spectroscopy, TGA, SEM, EDX, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area measurement were used to characterize the MMMs prepared. The porous structure of MMMs nanocomposites causes AC/MOF composite to effectively accelerate gas the diffusion in the PVC matrix. The permeability measurements for CO2 and N2 were made at 288.15, 298.15, 308.15, and 318.15 K at pressure 3 bar The outcomes indicates that the incorporation of the IL@AC/MOF filler increased the permeability of the PVC/AC/MOF MMMs compared to the pure polymeric membrane. The mixed matrix membranes exhibit superior gas separation performance, surpassing the 2008 Robson's Upper Bound.

Probing Ce- and Zr-Fumarate Metal-Organic Framework Formation in Aqueous Solutions with In Situ Raman Spectroscopy and Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction.

The synthesis of Ce-fumarate and Zr-fumarate metal-organic framework (MOF) is monitored for the first time with in situ Raman spectroscopy in custom-built solvothermal reactors. Several synthesis conditions were explored for Ce-fumarate at room temperature. The use of the method for high-temperature synthesis of Zr-fumarate is also demonstrated. In situ Raman monitoring provided insights into both the solution and crystalline phases of the reaction medium, revealing the dynamic interplay among precursors, modulators, and the forming MOF structure. The reaction kinetics was determined by following the characteristic peak at 1666 cm-1. The conversion was in good agreement with the reaction kinetics determined via in situ synchrotron powder diffraction. The resulting MOF products were further characterized using ex situ X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry, and surface area measurements. This study demonstrates a simple and industrially scalable method for monitoring MOF synthesis in situ, which can provide insights into the stages and mechanisms of formation of MOFs and other compounds.

Structural, Optical, and Magnetic Properties of Brownmillerite KBiFe2O5 and KBiFe1.95Ti0.05O5+ via Reactive Templated Method.

Brownmillerite KBiFe2O5 (KBFO) and KbiFe1.95Ti0.05O5+ (KBFTO) ceramics were synthesized using the prereacted nanopowders of KFeO2 (KFO) and BiFeO3 (BFO), and KFO and BiFe0.95Ti0.05O3+ (BFTO), respectively, via the reactive templated method. The powder X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the monoclinic phase of the KBFO and KBFTO samples. The incorporation of Ti4+ at Fe3+ site prevented the formation of a secondary phase (Bi2Fe4O9) in the KBFTO sample. Our experimentally determined lattice parameters for the orthorhombic P2/c KBFO and KBFTO are consistent with our density functional theory (DFT) computed lattice parameters (within a 5% error). Scanning electron microscopy images revealed an average grain size of ∼1.38 and 0.85 μm for KBFO and KBFTO, respectively. The calculated optical band gaps of the KBFO and KBFTO using the Kubelka-Munk function from their UV data were found to be 1.69 and 1.71 eV, respectively. The measured surface area of KBFTO (1.339 m2 g-1) obtained from BET analysis was double that of KBFO (0.698 m2 g-1). KBFTO's room-temperature magnetization was 0.986 emu g-1, which was twice that of the KBFO, while its room-temperature conductivity measured using impedance spectroscopy was 5.69 × 10-3 S m-1 which was 10 times that of KBFO. Notably, our DFT calculations showed that the small Ti dopant concentration enhanced the partial density of states (PDOS) above the Fermi level. It shifted the Fermi level toward higher energy, and the oxygen PDOS for KBFTO was significantly enhanced relative to KBFO, which ultimately helped improve the conductivity.

Preparation of magnetic chitosan/polyaniline nanocomposite for efficient remediation of nitrate and phosphate from water

A gel comprising of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)acrylamide (HEAAm), N,N’-methylenebis(acrylamide) (MBA), chitosan (CS), and polyaniline (PANI) made through microwave irradiation was evaluated for effective removal of nitrate and phosphate from water. The material was transformed into a nanocomposite by incorporation of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles. The nitrate and phosphate removal capacity of the nanocomposite was also evaluated in order to understand the effect of the presence of Fe3O4 on the adsorption efficiency of the gel. The nanocomposite exhibited enhanced adsorption capacity of 55.24 mg g−1 towards nitrate when compared to the value of 44.5 mg g−1 for the neat gel without nanoparticles. Also, the phosphate removal was enhanced from 51.4 to 60.60 mg g−1 due to the presence of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The enhanced adsorption capacity of the nanocomposite is attributed to the increased surface area of the adsorbent (32.53 m2 g−1) arising from the contribution of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles embedded in the polymer matrix; as evidenced by surface area measurements. The superparamagnetic nature of the nanocomposite arising due to the presence of magnetite nanoparticles facilitates easy removal of the adsorbent after use during purification process. The mechanism of adsorption is confirmed to be the electrostatic interaction between the active sites on the nanocomposite and the adsorbate anions as indicated by XPS studies. The extent of adsorption and desorption as indicated by % desorption data and adsorption capacity values remained unchanged for about 5 cycles indicating the reusability potential of the material.

NiCo2O4-based wool-ball as an electrocatalyst for methanol assisted water splitting, an alternative to water splitting

Hydrogen energy is considered a potential solution to the energy crisis and environmental pollution concerns. Pure hydrogen can be produced from electrochemical water splitting, however, the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is the primary obstacle due to its sluggish reaction kinetics. Introducing methanol oxidation is one possible solution to replace OER for water splitting to produce hydrogen as an energy source. In this article, a NiCo₂O₄-based wool-ball electrocatalyst was prepared via a solvothermal process followed by annealing. The catalyst showed high purity and a wool-ball structure, where the threads are arranged in different patterns and composed of sub-nano-sized spheres. The catalyst exhibited an excellent response to oxidation reactions and reduced severely the potential for 250 mV, when 1.17 mM of methanol was introduced into a 1 M KOH solution. The catalyst also demonstrated good performance for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), however, there was a reduction in performance in the presence of methanol. This might be due to the formation of a methanol layer that inhibits the HER in the KOH solution, as methanol does not participate in HER. This resistance was confirmed with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and electrochemical surface area (ECSA) measurements, where the ECSA value in KOH was 4.10, which reduced to 2.63 in the presence of methanol. The catalyst exhibited excellent stability for both HER and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) over a long duration of 3600 s.

Cost‐Effective Approach for Fabrication of High‐Quality Expanded Vermiculite for Alizarin Red S Removal From Aqueous Media

AbstractVermiculite is extensively utilized for several applications, including as a hydroponic substrate, for soil conditioning, oil cleansing, and addressing trace metal pollution. In this study, the expansion of natural vermiculite was easily achieved by utilizing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with the aid of microwave technology. The characterization of expanded vermiculite involved the use of X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen adsorption isotherm (BET), and energy dissipation X‐rays (EDX). The vermiculite has been enlarged to have a structure resembling flakes, and its surface area measures 73.9 m2/g. The adsorption of Alizarin Red S onto expanded vermiculite was investigated under varying conditions, such as pH, starting concentration, adsorbent content, and duration of exposure. The enlarged vermiculite achieved a maximum adsorption capacity of 182.5 mg/g for Alizarin Red S. Out of the three adsorption isotherm models, both the Freundlich and Temkin models accurately describe the adsorption of Alizarin Red S onto expanded vermiculite. When studying adsorption kinetics, the second‐order adsorption kinetic model is more appropriate than the first‐order adsorption kinetic model, as indicated by an R2 value of 0.8964.

Solar-driven calcination of clays for sustainable zeolite production: CO2 capture performance at ambient conditions

This study presents the environmentally sustainable synthesis of zeolites from solar-calcined kaolin and halloysite, emphasizing their application in CO2 capture due to their distinctive porous structures and chemical attributes. Expanding upon prior research that utilized solar energy for kaolin calcination, we now explore halloysite as an alternative clay mineral for zeolite production and CO2 capture. Employing a solar simulator, halloysite was calcined at temperatures ranging from 700 to 1000 °C, resulting in the synthesis of zeolites 4A and 13X via hydrothermal methods. The synthesized zeolites were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), low angle XRD (LA-XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area measurements. Notably, the presence of Al-Si spinel, which crystallizes at elevated solar calcination temperatures, persisted within the zeolite 13X matrix, inducing a secondary mesoporous phase. The observed hysteresis in 13X samples, rather than confirming the mesoporous character of zeolite 13X, indicates a tandem effect of mesoporous Al-Si spinel with microporous zeolite 13X, exemplifying systems known as micro/mesoporous zeolitic composites (MZCs). The correlation obtained between the interplanar distances calculated from LA-XRD and pore size distributions acquired from the BJH desorption branches highlights LA-XRD as an alternative analysis method for assessing mesoporosity. While the microporosity of Al-Si spinel possessing 13X samples positively correlates with CO2 capture performance, mesoporosity appears to have minimal impact. Among the zeolites synthesized using solar energy, zeolite 4A (LTA) demonstrates superior CO2 capture capability, achieving an adsorption capacity of 2.15 mmol/g at 25 °C and 1 bar. This study highlights the potential of solar energy in producing eco-friendly zeolites from kaolin and halloysite for improved CO2 capture, advancing sustainable environmental solutions.

Volumetric Classification: Unveiling the True Extent of Rotator Cuff Tears

Rotator cuff injury diagnosis involves comprehensive clinical, physical, and imaging assessments, with MRI being pivotal for detecting and classifying these injuries. However, the absence of a universally accepted classification system necessitates a more precise approach, advocating for the use of three-dimensional (3D) modeling to better understand and categorize rotator cuff tears. This research was conducted as a prospective, single-institution study on 62 patients exhibiting full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Utilizing preoperative 1.5T MRI, the study aimed to create a more detailed classification system based on volumetric and surface area measurements. Advanced 3D modeling software was employed to transform MRI data into precise 3D representations, facilitating a more accurate analysis of the lesions. The study unveiled a novel classification system rooted in volumetric and surface area assessments, revealing significant discrepancies in the existing two-dimensional classifications. Approximately 45% of the cases demonstrated inconsistencies between traditional classifications and 3D measurements. Notably, medium-sized lesions were often overestimated, while small and large lesions were consistently underestimated in their severity. The volumetric and surface area-based classifications provided a more accurate depiction, highlighting the limitations of relying solely on coronal plane assessments in MRI. Comparative analysis confirmed the improved accuracy of the 3D method. The integration of 3D imaging and volumetric analysis offers novel advancement in diagnosing and classifying rotator cuff injuries. This study's findings challenge the conventional reliance on 2D MRI, proposing a more detailed and accurate classification system that enhances the precision of surgical planning and potentially improves patient outcomes. The incorporation of comprehensive 3D assessments into the diagnostic process represents a significant step forward in the orthopedic imaging field.

The Relationship Between Glabellar Contraction Patterns and Glabellar Muscle Anatomy: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Study.

Glabellar contraction patterns were introduced to the scientific literature to help guide glabellar neuromodulator injection algorithms. However, the relationship between the underlying musculature and its influence on these glabellar contraction patterns is unclear. The aim of this study was to identify via Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) glabellar muscle parameters that display an influence on the distribution of individual glabellar contraction patterns. Thirty-four healthy young individuals of Caucasian Polish descent were investigated (17 women, 17 men) with a mean age of 23.6 years and a mean BMI of 22.8 kg/m2. MRI-based measurements of length, thickness, width and surface area of procerus, corrugator supercilii, orbicularis oculi and frontalis muscles were conducted. Unadjusted models revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between the five glabellar contraction types and the investigated muscle parameters indicating that independent of the skin rhytid pattern, the underlying musculature was not different between the investigated groups in this sample with all p ≥ 0.102. Adjusted models revealed that sex was the most influential factor due to males displayed in general higher values for the investigated parameters when compared to females. The results of this study reveal that based on the MRI parameters investigated and based on the investigated cohort, there does not appear to be a strong relationship between glabellar contraction patterns and underlying glabella muscle anatomy. Utilizing glabellar contraction patterns to design neuromodulator treatment algorithms may be of variable clinical merit.

Novel synthesis and application of zeolite-Y from waste clay for efficient CO2 capture and water purification

In the present study, the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) has been used to synthesise zeolite-Y from three different waste clays (WC) from Teesside, Northeast of England, UK. The effects of microwave time intervals and WC type were investigated to produce crystalline zeolite-Y. All WCs and synthesised zeolites were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area measurement (BET). The characterisation results showed that the zeolite-Y samples synthesised at 6 min intervals exhibited larger total pore volumes, higher surface areas, and higher crystallinity compared to the samples synthesised at 4 min intervals. Especially, the synthesised zeolite-Y from Clay 1 displayed high CO2 adsorption capacity, achieving 5.23 mmol/g at 298 K and 1 bar, with a maximum methylene blue removal of 94.3 %. This sample showed a surface area of 485 m²/g and a pore volume of 0.24 cm³/g, alongside an Si/Al ratio of 3.7, highlighting its excellent thermal stability at elevated temperatures. The high CO2 adsorption capacity combined with the high methylene blue removal efficacy makes the synthesised zeolite-Y from WC an excellent candidate for efficient CO2 capture and removal of methylene blue from contaminated water. Additionally, this study illustrates the potential for waste valorisation through the conversion of low-value WC into high-performance, value-added materials. This transformation not only mitigates waste disposal issues but also contributes to sustainable resource management and environmental protection by offering a practical solution for treating industrial effluents and gas emissions.

Preparation of Porous Composite Materials through Silicon Component Foaming and Special Heat Treatment.

This study proposes a foaming method along with calcination to produce silica-based porous materials. The high-silicon-content waste residue reacts with sodium hydroxide for hydrogen evolution foaming reactions. Then, the foaming green bodies are embedded and calcined in the calcination powder consisting of silicon, silicon carbide, graphite, and activated carbon at 1200 °C. The calcination powder creates a reducing atmosphere and prevents adhesion of the foaming green bodies to the crucible during calcination. Furthermore, the addition of activated carbon and calcination improve the macroporosity issue of the prepared sample through a gas-liquid-solid transformation. The BET surface area measurement is 64.197 m2/g, and the mercury intrusion porosimetry measurement indicates a porosity of 56.48%, with an average pore diameter of 396.48 nm. The porous composite materials exhibit the capability to adsorb methylene blue in solution. The porous materials possessing functional groups suggest promising potential for future development and application prospects.

The Use of Organoclays as Excipient for Metformin Delivery: Experimental and Computational Study

This work combines experimental and computational modeling studies for the preparation of a composite of metformin and an organoclay, examining the advantages of a Tunisian clay used for drug delivery applications. The clay mineral studied is a montmorillonite-like smectite (Sm-Na), and the organoclay derivative (HDTMA-Sm) was used as a drug carrier for metformin hydrochloride (MET). In order to assess the MET loading into the clays, these materials were characterized by means of cation exchange capacity assessment, specific surface area measurement, and with the techniques of X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy. Computational molecular modeling studies showed the surface adsorption process, identifying the clay–drug interactions through hydrogen bonds, and assessing electrostatic interactions for the hybrid MET/Sm-Na and hydrophobic interactions and cation exchange for the hybrid MET/HDTMA-Sm. The results show that the clays (Sm-Na and HDTMA-Sm) are capable of adsorbing MET, reaching a maximum load of 12.42 and 21.97 %, respectively. The adsorption isotherms were fitted by the Freundlich model, indicating heterogeneous adsorption of the studied adsorbate–adsorbent system, and they followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The calculations of ΔGº indicate the spontaneous and reversible nature of the adsorption. The calculation of ΔH° indicates physical adsorption for the purified clay (Sm-Na) and chemical adsorption for the modified clay (HDTMA-Sm). The release of intercalated MET was studied in media simulating gastric and intestinal fluids, revealing that the purified clay (Sm-Na) and the modified organoclay (HDTMA-Sm) can be used as carriers in controlled drug delivery in future clinical applications. The molecular modeling studies confirmed the experimental phenomena, showing that the main adsorption mechanism is the cation exchange process between proton and MET cations into the interlayer space.